PROPHET'S ROCK FUTURE DISCUSSED

PETER MARTEKA; Courant Staff WriterTHE HARTFORD COURANT

The planning and zoning commission and the developers of a proposed subdivision off Burrows Hill Road appear to be getting closer to determining the future ownership of a formation known as Prophet's Rock.

At a public hearing Tuesday, the commission reviewed more than a half-dozen letters in support of preserving one of the oldest historic sites in Hebron by making it town-owned. References to the site are in documents dating to the 1700s.

After the hearing, the developers, Smith Farm Estates Inc., and the commission attempted to come to some sort of mutual agreement.

While the developers want to keep the rock under private ownership, the commission suggested they reconfigure the lot and convey ownership of the rock to the town or place it under a permanent easement allowing town residents access to it at anytime.

Under the developer's current plans, a special conservation restriction and access easement would be placed around the rock. The public would have access to the rock 20 days per year by a footpath and parking area along Burrows Hill Road. In addition, a police officer or security guard would be present on open days to prevent vandalism and protect the privacy and property of neighbors.

During the hearing Tuesday, developers said it probably wouldn't be necessary to have a police officer or security guard present, but added they still favored the rock being retained under private ownership as it has been for the past 200 years.

"We appreciate the letters, but this is someone's backyard," said attorney Edward Hill, who represents the developers. "We would like to limit access to prevent vandalism. The town is asking for a problem if anyone can go up at anytime."

While no action was taken on the rock or the 26-lot plan, surveyor Curt Smith said he would review the options presented by the commission and return with a possible solution at the May 14 meeting.

Some neighbors don't agree with any proposal to open the rock up to the public.

"I've never seen anyone up there in 20 years," said Roger Billard, who lives nearby. "Anyone can go up there at anytime if it's public property. It's historically insignificant. It's just a rock. No one has talked about this before."

According to legend, in 1706 several women left their Windsor homes in search of their husbands who were building their homes in present-day Hebron. As darkness fell, the women, who feared they were lost, climbed to the top of the rock. They called out to their husbands, who followed the sounds of their voices and rescued them, according to the story.